ExxonMobil volunteers spent a week in September painting, landscaping, harvesting and completing much needed projects at agencies throughout Hunterdon.

Sponsored and organized by United Way of Hunterdon County with volunteers from ExxonMobil’s Clinton site, the Week of Caring is an opportunity for volunteers to go to local United Way community partners to work on various community service projects. United Way links those who can help with those who need help.

In this way, the volunteers from ExxonMobil were able to give back to the community where they work and live in a substantial, physical way, while being able to experience the atmosphere of organizations that benefit from the company’s annual United Way Campaign.

This year 200 volunteers harvested 9,000 pounds of corn, tomatoes and peppers for America’s Grow-A-Row at Peaceful Valley Orchards in Pittstown, sorted food at NORWESCAP and brightened up SAFE’s transition house with fresh paint and a play area complete with a playhouse.

Back at the ExxonMobil Clinton site, employees stenciled murals that will be used at SAFE’s Transition House. Additionally, volunteers constructed two “crooked houses” that are used as children’s play houses, one for the SAFE Transition House playground and the other to Fisherman’s Mark.

“We are thrilled when companies’ take part in a Day of Caring but setting aside an entire week to give back to the community is amazing," said Bonnie Duncan, CEO of United Way of Hunterdon County. "I firmly believe that one person can make a difference, but the collective impact of this year’s efforts is incredible and will have a long term effect in Hunterdon County. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated company in our community,” Duncan added.

ExxonMobil is once again the 2012 recipient of United Way of Hunterdon County’s Spirit of Caring Award for the more than 1,180 hours put in by more than 180 volunteers – that is how they live united.

United Way is working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income, and health. These are the building blocks for a good life — a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health.

United Way invests in improving lives and conditions in Hunterdon County by creating long-lasting changes that prevent problems from happening in the first place. If you or your organization is interested in exploring volunteer opportunities, call the United Way of Hunterdon County at 908-782-3414 or visit uwhunterdon.org.